opose to me. I'm freaking out and feeling completely out of control. Something doesn't feel right about this situation. It's like a trap, and I can't shake the feeling that Richie is

feel complete," he says, kissing my hand before standing up. The crowd erupts into applause, whispers, and adoring sounds, but that's not the mai

ing as he gently cups my face. His eyes sear

a loss for words. What can I

I pull away. "I have to go," I blurt out, my voice filled with a mix of confusion a

*

hadn't mentioned anything about the proposal to her beforehand, but now the news is all over th

he courage to face her. Slowly, I turn around to meet her gaze, only to

ouch. "Will you stop looking at me like that?" I p

ooking at you like that until you start talking," she insists, her voice a mix of conc

ay at that moment? I was completely stunned," I mumb

be something like, 'Yes, Richie, I will marry you,' or at least a smile since you did

friend, Rebecca. I don't know if I'm lucky or cursed to have y

mfort through her presence. One thing about being friends with Rebecca is that you

ou and Richie?" she asks, wrapping her

urface, and I find myself searching for the ri

be something. Why do y

his behavior towards women," I r

swer. "We both know that's not it. So just t

on't understand," I say, feeling

f you'd ju

go easily. "You really want to know?"

es, her voice filled w

ing about. It's a dark one, and let's just say he's the reason why I'm here

d," she says, her

inquire, and Rebecca nods in response. "You asked me the last time I saw my mom, and

y mom was killed by Richie, and that's why

moment to process the information before responding. "Oh my God, Rachel,

earlier, it's just that I don't l

ng around me. "I want you to know that I'll al

ans the world to me," I respon

ile until Rebecca breaks it, ask

urn the ring or..." I trail o

lly calls me at this hour. Groaning, I ignore the call and sink into the couch. I knew worki

keep calling me

s fiancé now so..." she trails off, and

ng it down. But before I could continue, Rebecca swiftly intervened, snatching the bottle from my

ded, "Oh, please, g

"No, too much alcohol is bad, especial

Oh, God! I completely forgot about th

ssant ringing of my phone interrupted her. "

towards her and muttered, "I

ed at the screen and

houghtful sou

hie," she

Richie?" I questioned, seeking confirmation, and she nodded in affirmation. Just t

sentence, Rebecca nodded and showed me a message from Richi

ugh the room. I hastily rose from the couch, pointing an a

o me. "Hey, keep it down. He's right behin

lly don't," I responded, frus

the room. "Okay, I know you don't want to meet him, but you have to

t. I can't do

m asking you to face a ghost or some cursed doll. It's just Ric

or caught a glimpse of him, my heart would skip a beat. It is a feeling that leaves me feeling repulsed and fi

ca insisted, her voice filled with a

templation, I relucta

away slightly. With a deep breath, I tucked a strand of ha

d me with his signature

ined to hand him the ring. But Richie

e doing?" he asked, his

g back?" I questioned,

the ring just to take

, then why are you here?" I inquired,

I want to talk to

mix of curiosity and u

ou off guard but I want you to know that I'm truly sorry. I never meant to ma

say. Did he really feel every word? Richar

ence, because he spoke up, say

p but ask, "Un

ng blue eyes locked with mine, and r

questioned, "What

. That's not who I am and you can only see that i

st you?" I challe

sees you. I know you better than you

now your decision, and I promise to respect it," Richie said, taking anothe